Although wearing braces isn't always fun, it's one of the best ways to see positive results and to correct your crooked smile. However, many people don't realize that your teeth can be more at risk while you are wearing braces. Braces can make it more difficult to keep your teeth and gums clean, for example, which can lead to staining, tooth decay, gum disease and more.

This doesn't mean that you should ditch the idea of braces, however; instead, it simply means that you should work hard to maintain good dental health while you are wearing them. Follow these tips, and you can help keep your teeth as healthy as possible while wearing your braces:

1. Remove Your Elastics

If your orthodontist has fitted you for elastics, it's a good idea to take them out before brushing your teeth. This will help you get a deeper, more thorough clean, and it will also help prevent you from breaking or otherwise damaging your elastics. Make sure that you put them back on as soon as you are finished with your cleaning routine, however.

2. Eat the Right Foods

Eating a braces-friendly diet while you are wearing braces is essential. Avoid highly acidic foods; the acids can get underneath and around your braces -- where it will be more difficult to remove them -- and can cause damage to your teeth. Also, avoid chewing gum or eating sticky candies and foods while you are wearing braces to prevent them from getting stuck in and around your braces.

3. Floss Daily

Many people skip flossing on normal days, even though they know they shouldn't. However, you shouldn't skip flossing while you're wearing braces if you can help it, since the brackets can cause you to be even more prone to get food stuck in-between your teeth.

4. Rinse Regularly

Using mouthwash each day is a smart way to prevent plaque and get rid of any food particles that may have gotten stuck in your braces. Also, if you are unable to brush your teeth after eating, make a point to at least rinse with water to help get rid of any debris.

5. Use an Oral Irrigator

An oral irrigator is a small, handheld device that is designed to shoot a stream of clean water on and around your teeth. Using one of these devices can be helpful for cleaning around your brackets properly.

Taking good care of your braces is important if you want a beautiful, healthy smile when they are removed. Luckily, following these five simple tips can help make it easier. To learn more, contact a company like Aspen Orthodontics with any questions or concerns you have.

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Hi everyone. My name is Nadine Franklin. It took a lot of work, but I managed to get my entire family exercising. Even my grandma is regularly hitting the weights and doing cardio. I am so proud of everyone and I believe this trend will continue because I have mastered the art of making exercise fun and also exercising even when very busy. The secret is in experimenting until you find what works for you. For that reason, I will be including all of the exercise strategies and methods that I have devised over the years, including all sorts of health tips.